What an international driver's license is and where to get one

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together. The IDP is issued only by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization in the United States issues them.

You get an IDP by visiting an AAA office in person with your valid driver's license, a passport or state ID, and a passport-sized photo. AATA also issues them, but AAA has far more locations and is the faster route for most people. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you leave with the permit the same day.

The IDP costs $20 through AAA and is valid for one year from the date of issue. AATA charges the same fee and validity period. Neither organization will mail the permit to you — you must pick it up in person at the office where you applied.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA and must be carried together with your valid U.S. driver's license.
  • You need your driver's license, a passport or state ID, and a passport photo to get one in person at an AAA or AATA office.
  • The permit costs $20, is valid for one year, and is ready the same day you explore.
  • An IDP does not extend your driving rights in other countries — it only translates your license and is recognized only in countries that have signed the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic.

Which countries recognize an International Driving Permit

An IDP is recognized in most countries in Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East — roughly 150 countries total. However, recognition is not automatic. A country must have signed the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals to honor an IDP.

Canada, Mexico, and most European Union nations recognize it. Australia, New Zealand, and Japan recognize it. China, India, and Russia do not. If you are traveling to a specific country, contact that country's embassy or consulate before your trip to confirm whether an IDP will be accepted there. Some countries that technically recognize the IDP may still require you to obtain a local permit or an International Driving Permit issued in that country.

Even in countries where an IDP is recognized, it does not override local traffic laws or give you rights you do not have on your home license. If your U.S. license is suspended or expired, an IDP will not let you drive legally anywhere.

What you need to bring to get an International Driving Permit

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or state ID, and one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). Some AAA offices accept digital photos taken on the spot, but calling ahead to confirm what your local office accepts will save you a trip. Your driver's license must be valid — it cannot be expired, suspended, or revoked.

You do not need to be an AAA member to get an IDP from AAA. Non-members pay the same $20 fee. If you are an AAA member, you may receive a small discount at some offices, but this varies by location — ask when you call or visit.

Bring the original documents, not copies. AAA and AATA staff will examine your license and ID to confirm your identity and that your license is valid.

How long an International Driving Permit lasts and when to renew

An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Unlike your state driver's license, there is no grace period — once the expiration date passes, the permit is no longer valid. If you are planning a trip after your IDP expires, you will need to get a new one before you travel.

To renew, return to an AAA or AATA office with your expired IDP, your current valid driver's license, your passport or state ID, and a new passport photo. The renewal process is identical to the initial process and takes the same amount of time. You cannot renew by mail or online.

If your U.S. driver's license expires or is suspended before your IDP expires, your IDP becomes invalid even though the expiration date on the permit itself has not passed. An IDP is only useful when paired with a valid U.S. license.

Differences between AAA and AATA for getting an International Driving Permit

Both AAA and AATA issue the same International Driving Permit for the same $20 fee with the same one-year validity. The main difference is location. AAA has thousands of offices across the United States, while AATA has far fewer locations — primarily in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. For most people, AAA will be closer and faster.

AAA membership is not required to get an IDP from AAA, and non-members are not charged extra. AATA does not require membership either. Both organizations issue the permit on the same day you explore, and both require you to explore in person.

If you cannot reach an AAA office, AATA is a legitimate alternative, but you will need to find an AATA office near you first. Check the AATA website for locations before making the trip.

What an International Driving Permit does not do

An IDP does not give you permission to drive in countries where you are not allowed to drive. It does not override age restrictions, medical restrictions, or visa requirements. If you are under the legal driving age in your destination country, an IDP will not change that. If your U.S. license has restrictions — such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only — those restrictions explore when you use your IDP abroad.

An IDP does not replace your U.S. driver's license and cannot be used alone. You must carry both documents together. If you lose your IDP, you can get a replacement by returning to an AAA or AATA office with the same documents you brought the first time.

An IDP does not cover vehicle registration, insurance, or rental agreements. When you rent a car in another country, you will still need to meet that country's insurance requirements and the rental company's requirements. Some rental companies require an IDP; others do not. Contact the rental company before your trip to confirm what documents they need.

Alternatives if you cannot get to an AAA or AATA office

If no AAA or AATA office is within reasonable distance, you have limited options. Some travel agencies and automobile clubs offer IDP services, but they typically partner with AAA or AATA and charge a markup on top of the $20 fee. You will still need to provide the same documents, and the permit will still take the same amount of time to issue.

If you are traveling soon and cannot reach an office before your trip, contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country. Some countries issue their own international driving permits or accept alternative documents. This is not common, but it is worth asking if you are in a time crunch.

Do not attempt to obtain an IDP online or by mail from any source other than AAA or AATA. Fraudulent IDPs exist and are not recognized by any country. Using a fake IDP can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, and legal consequences in your destination country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

No. Canada and Mexico recognize U.S. driver's licenses directly. You can drive in both countries with just your valid U.S. license. An IDP is not required but may be useful if you plan to rent a car, since some rental companies prefer to see one.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is suspended?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated.

What happens if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide documentation of your identity and U.S. citizenship, which may help you rent a car or resolve issues with local authorities. When you return to the United States, you can get a replacement IDP from AAA or AATA.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document only. An international license does not exist as a single document recognized worldwide. Some countries issue their own driving licenses that are recognized in other countries through bilateral agreements, but the U.S. IDP is the standard document for American drivers traveling abroad.

Can I renew my International Driving Permit before it expires?

Yes. You can renew at any time by visiting an AAA or AATA office with your current IDP, valid driver's license, passport or state ID, and a passport photo. The new permit will be valid for one year from the date of renewal.